Importing a non HGV to the USA, license question plus more

Hey there

From Belfast myself but now in cali.

As far as driving a RHD on the right, my experience is from driving RHD lorries on the continent and although it takes a little getting used to shouldn't be impossible to do.

I have never seen a horse box truck like home here but that doesn't mean they don't exist. Mostly see horse trailers on pick ups. The problem i forsee with importing a truck is getting parts and a mechanic to work on it. Might be easier to do as the romans do.

 

Put "toy hauler camper" into a search engine. They seem to be similar to the English Horsebox, but made for hauling dirt-bikes, ATV's etc. They are available in trailer or "motorhome" configurations.

Depending on the chassis that a Ford horsebox is made on, parts availability might be okay since Ford is an american company.

Your most economical option is a 3/4 or 1 ton rated pickup and the horse trailer.
These models are as follows:
Ford: F-250, F-350 (3/4 & 1 ton respectively)
Chevrolet: 2500, 3500
Dodge: 2500, 3500

 

There are straight trucks in the US that are built to haul horses, but they probably do not have access from the cab into the stall area. Any vehicle you import into the US must pass all the DOT standards for that style/type vehicle. That may include safety features, lighting and engine emissions. Getting parts for European models that are not similar to ones sold in the US will be very difficult.

 

As for the driving license, The Commercial driving license rules state that once the vehicle gross weight is over 26,000 lb (11793 kg) or the vehicle is pulling a trailer with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000lb (4536 kg), then you would need a CDL. At 7500 kg ( or 16,534 lb) it is under the weight requirement so I think a normal Driving License (class D) should be all that is required

As for the tagging or registering of the vehicle, the requirements can vary by state. It will also vary depending on whether you haul just your own horses, or hire out for hauling other peoples horses. You might want to contact the state you are moving to and inquire with them.

Another thing with the vehicle is the U.S. can be a sticular for it meeting their requirements, esp emissions related stuff. I have known more then one person in the military that has exported their vehicle, had work done one it either here or abroad and had something removed from it and find out later when they are redeployed home the vehicle can not be brought back unless it is restored. I have also had an Uncle in the 80's who bought a SAAB while in Germany and he could not bring it into the States unless it met the E.P.A mandates for that year. He would us selling it and buying one here, it was cheaper than trying to retrofit a catalitic converter, smog pump, ect.